Apparatus for playing a game

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for playing a game includes a timing device comprising a downwardly spiraling track, and a ball constrained to roll down the track, the movement of a ball between defined points on the track indicating the elapsing of a time period, and a device for projecting a ball comprising a guide for directing the ball upwards in a particular direction, along which guide the ball may be flicked. The object of the game is to project balls at a figure using the projecting device and knock the figure over before the ball of the timing device reaches the bottom of the track.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to apparatus for playing a game. More particularly, it relates to apparatus including a novel timing device and means for flicking a ball at a target.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0002] It is an aim of the invention to provide a novel timing device which can indicate the elapsing of a period allowed for a player to carry out a task.

[0003] From a first aspect, the present invention provides a timing device comprising a downwardly spiraling track and a ball constrained to roll down the track, the movement of a ball between defined points on the track indicating the elapsing of a time period.

[0004] The defined points preferably comprise the top and bottom of the track. Preferably, the track is a substantially circular spiral. The track may comprise a flat central platform at the bottom.

[0005] It is a further aim of the invention to provide a device for projecting a ball which can be used in conjunction with the timing device.

[0006] From a second aspect, the present invention provides a device for projecting a ball comprising a guide for directing the ball upwards in a particular direction, along which guide the ball may be flicked.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the guide comprises a substantially straight upwardly inclined ramp. The device may include a storage means for storing a plurality of balls to be flicked. The storage means may comprise a second sloping ramp which may be in communication with the inclined ramp such that one of a plurality of balls stored on the second ramp rolls to the foot of the inclined ramp for flicking.

[0008] An embodiment of game apparatus according to the invention comprises both a timing device and a ball-projecting device as defined above. The apparatus includes a figure for placing on the flat central platform of the timing device. The object of the game is to project balls at the figure using the projecting device and knock the figure over before the ball of the timing device reaches the bottom of the track.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] In order that the present invention may be more readily understood, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010]FIG. 1 is a plan of a timing device according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0011]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the timing device of FIG. 1, showing a figure on the central platform; and

[0012]FIG. 3 shows a ball-projecting device according to an embodiment of the invention,

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013]FIGS. 1 and 2 show a dish-shaped timing device representing an arena. A spiral track 1, having a cross-section that is an arc of a circle, leads from the edge of the timing device 1 to a flat central platform 2 at the bottom of the device. A ball 3, for example a marble, placed at the start of the track 1, will roll to the central platform 2. For a timing device having a diameter of 17 cm and a track width of approximately 8 mm with about 8 revolutions, the ball takes about 20 seconds to roll from the start of the track 1 to the central platform 2.

[0014] A FIG. 4 can be placed on the central platform 2 as shown in FIG. 2.

[0015]FIG. 3 shows a ball-projecting device comprising an upwardly inclined firing ramp 5 and a storage ramp 6. A number (eight in this example) of balls 7 are placed on the storage ramp 6, which is inclined slightly downwards towards the bottom of the firing ramp 5 so that one of the balls 7 rolls to the bottom of the firing ramp. This ball can then be flicked with the index finger up and off the firing ramp 5.

[0016] The ball-projecting device has flanges 8 extending from its base on either side, which can be used to steady the device on a flat surface in use. Thus, a right-handed person can steady the device by pressing on the left-hand flange 8 with two fingers of the left hand whilst flicking the ball 7 with the right index finger, and a left-handed person can steady the device using the right-hand flange whilst flicking with the left index finger.

[0017] The devices shown in the drawings are used in a game in which the ball projecting device is placed, say, 20 cm from the timing device. With the FIG. 4 in place on the central platform 2, the ball 3 is placed at the start of the track 1 and released. The player now attempts to knock over the FIG. 4 by flicking the balls 7 off the firing ramp 5. Successive balls 7 roll from the storage ramp 6 to the bottom of the firing ramp. The player wins by knocking over the FIG. 4 before the ball 3 reaches the central platform 2 or loses if the ball 3 reaches the central platform 2 with the FIG. 4 still upright.

[0018] The timing device and the ball-projecting device are both conveniently hollow and are molded from a plastics material.

[0019] Whilst the timing device and ball projecting device have been described above as components of apparatus for the same game, each device could be used by itself in other games. 

I claim:
 1. A timing device comprising a downwardly spiraling track having a top and a bottom, and a ball constrained to roll down the track, the movement of a ball between defined points on the track indicating the elapsing of a time period.
 2. The timing device of claim 1, wherein the defined points comprise the top and bottom of the track.
 3. The timing device of claim 2, wherein the track comprises a flat central platform at the bottom.
 4. The timing device of claim 1, wherein the track is a substantially circular spiral.
 5. A device for projecting a ball comprising a guide for directing the ball upwards in a particular direction, along which guide the ball may be flicked.
 6. The device of claim 5, wherein the guide comprises a substantially straight upwardly inclined ramp.
 7. The device of claim 5, including a storage means for storing a plurality of balls to be flicked.
 8. The device of claim 7, wherein the storage means comprises a second sloping ramp.
 9. The device of claim 8, wherein said second sloping ramp is in communication with the inclined ramp such that one of a plurality of balls stored on the second ramp rolls to the foot of the inclined ramp for flicking.
 10. Apparatus for playing a game, including a timing device comprising a downwardly spiraling track having a bottom, and a ball constrained to roll down the track, the movement of a ball between defined points on the track indicating the elapsing of a time period, and a device for projecting a ball comprising a guide for directing the ball upwards in a particular direction, along which guide the ball may be flicked.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the track comprises a flat central platform at the bottom, the apparatus further including a figure for placing on said platform.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, further including rules stating that the object of the game is to project balls at the figure using the projecting device and knock the figure over before the ball of the timing device reaches the bottom of the track. 